In "Sojourner Truth" by Joanna Evans, the playwright effectively utilizes monologue as a dramatic element to convey the strength and resilience of Sojourner Truth. Through her powerful speeches, the character articulates her struggles and triumphs, encapsulating the essence of her fight for justice and equality. For example, in one monologue, Truth passionately declares, "Ain't I a Woman?", which not only emphasizes her defiance against societal norms but also highlights the intersection of race and gender in the fight for rights. This rhetorical question serves to engage the audience emotionally, reinforcing her pivotal role in the abolitionist and women's rights movements. By showcasing Truth's voice in such a compelling manner, Evans deepens the audience's understanding of her impact and the historical context of her activism.
Use the passage to answer the question.
In 3–5 sentences, explain how the playwright uses one or more dramatic elements to convey meaning in Sojourner Truth
by Joanna Evans. Use textual evidence to support your explanation.
7 answers
In "Sojourner Truth" by Joanna Evans, the playwright uses monologues to highlight Sojourner Truth's strength and determination. For instance, when Truth passionately asks, "Ain't I a Woman?", it shows her fight against unfair treatment because of her race and gender. This powerful line helps the audience understand her importance in the movement for equality and justice.
Both Rebecca’s father and Sojourner Truth are influential in the play, but neither of them appears. In 3-5 sentences, draw conclusions about why the playwright did not include these characters in the play’s action.
In "Sojourner Truth," the absence of both Rebecca's father and Sojourner Truth herself from the play's action serves to emphasize their lasting influence rather than their physical presence. By not including these characters on stage, the playwright allows their ideals and legacies to resonate through the thoughts and actions of other characters. This choice highlights the impact of their beliefs on the struggle for justice and equality, suggesting that their influences persist even in their absence. Ultimately, it reinforces the message that the fight for rights is shaped by the voices of those who came before, making their contributions felt throughout the narrative.
In "Sojourner Truth," Rebecca’s father and Sojourner Truth don't appear on stage to show how their influence still affects the other characters. By keeping them offstage, the playwright makes their ideas and messages even more powerful, showing that their legacies live on. This choice suggests that even when they're not physically present, their fight for justice and equality continues to inspire others.